Agenda

The Smart City Leaders’ Talk at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event week discusses the paradox of smart cities facing climate emergency. This high-level debate will enlighten opportunities Smart Cities bring to development and ways to overcome the limitations local leaders continue to face in disaster risk reduction. It elaborates on how the vision and expectations of different stakeholders, including the youth can be incorporated.

The event aims to discuss the questions of people-centered, climate resilient smart city development and the necessary immediate actions to mitigate risks:

• Can the transformative development of digital technologies minimize the loss of life from severe weather events by strengthening both early warnings and early action? 
• How local and global leaders can factor in the views and expectations of a more climate-conscious young generation?
• What are the realistic deliverables by smart cities and what lessons can we learn from recent disillusions prompted by floods and fires?

By elaborating on these questions the discussion will contribute to strengthening the role of local governments and other stakeholders in promotion of ICTs for development in a climate-resilient manner. A people-centered smart city approach means finding answers to peoples’ needs – from safety to sustainability. Participating leaders contribute to the debate highlighting different aspects of smartness, including but not limited to advancing climate adaptation and resilience, protection, promotion and fulfillment of human rights, strengthening social inclusion, and achieving the relevant sustainable development goals.